This is such a hard one.

The problem with the holding fee is that if the client doesn't work out and you want to terminate in the first 30 days you may feel a stronger obligation to hold onto them based on all of the holding fee money they've already paid you.

When I have this situation I come up I look at a few different factors. I decide if I can afford to go without that income for 2 months. If not, I decide what I need to maintain my budget until that client starts.

If I can afford to do it, then I do. If I love the client, they have great hours and it makes sense for me to wait then I usually do.

I have never charged a holding fee. If i can't afford to wait for the client that I put them first on the waiting list for that time and I make a first desicsion 4 weeks before the desired start date. I get a the deposit and off we go.